Eye on Politics
Paul DeMarco
So, while the 2026 Alabama election campaigns unofficially started in May, we are a long way from the official kick-off. Those who are candidates for the election cycle next year for state and county races and running in the Alabama Republican primary have to wait until next January to actually sign up and pay their qualifying fees.
Once a candidate has decided to actually throw their name in the hat, the most important job is to start raising money to pay for the campaign. Running for statewide office is an expensive endeavor and requires the resources to expend to pay for getting out the candidate’s name and message.
To reach all four corners of the state always requires television and radio advertisements, which can add up to get access to all of the major coverage areas of the state. In addition, almost every candidate will make major purchases on social media, mail pieces and even billboards. Finally, candidates have to put together a campaign team to run the day-to-day operation of their campaigns, and though Alabama is not the most populace state in the nation, it is large enough to require a well-funded staff to get across the finish line.
To win in Alabama you cannot just rely on the I-65 corridor with the major metropolitan areas; you must crisscross the rural parts of the state to win, as well. The conventional wisdom used to be winning Alabama’s four largest cities was tantamount to victory, but with the Republican Party now dominating state politics, that does not cut it anymore.
Candidates have to ensure those that live outside the urban and suburbs are heard and their issues are addressed. In particular, it is important to remember that the agriculture crop and animal production is still an important part of Alabama’s economy. Farming is essential in our state and requires those who want to serve in a leadership position acknowledge it, as well.
Funding a serious effort to win these high offices means an operation that operates seven days a week on all cylinders, and that costs a lot of money. It may be 2025, but the fundraising for the 2026 elections has already started in earnest.
Paul DeMarco is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives and can be found on X, formerly Twitter, at @Paul_DeMarco.
